What's the best way to leash train my dog?

Question

He's a 30lb. Rott. puppy and I'd love to take him for a walk but right now it's almost impossible for me to control him when he gets excited. My husband is usually the one who takes him now. Help!?

Answer 1

I like to train with a harness. this is very controversial, but I have had great results with the step-in or no-pull type harnesses (you can find them at WalMart or any pet supply) they are escape proof, and safe. Puppies don't feel as threatened, and will focus on learning, instead of on threat of choking. And there is no risk of damage to the neck, especially for a high energy pup. Keep the leash very short. Basically, as short as you can without stooping. This way the pup can't get any momentum to pull harder than you can hold.
Set out for your walk, and go through the door first, even if you have to do some wrangling to make sure you are first out.
As soon as the puppy pulls, stop. Even if you have to stand there for a few minutes, do not proceed until he stops pulling. You may only get to take a couple of steps before he pulls again..but be consistent and stop each time. This can take 5 minutes to get out the driveway..As your pup learns that he only gets to advance if he isn't pulling, don't allow him to sniff everything along your path, but keep him moving.When my pups sniff, I give a verbal signal "SHHH" and pull them away and keep walking. Soon, as soon as that head goes down, when you say 'SHHh' they will act like it was a bee sting! lol and keep going. I like to work out in an empty wide area, such as a parking lot after closing. You can do figure 8's and other zig-zag patterns to keep your pup focused on your movements, as he has to pay attention or he won't know where to go..Only move forward if he is being compliant, and never if he is pulling..
be sure to maintain an up-beat attitude, to keep the outings fun, and be sure to give plenty of praise when he is doing well or trying to.
step-in harness (the one pic shows how easy it is to put on,and where to put the paws, so it just pulls up and snaps) http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-18,GGGL:en&q=step%20in%20harness&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
No-pull harness> http://www.gemgreyhounds.org/images/store/merchandise/harnNoPullBlackWeb240x180.gif

If you don't have strength, time or patience for the standard training method, you may want a Canny Collar> http://www.cannyco.com/

they are awesome! and problem is immediately solved. be sure to watch the videos..they are great for 'taming' rescued dogs. I got one from ebay, and shipping was just 6 days from UK.
Just a note: IF you have to resort to pain or threat of pain, with chokes, shocks, or any other physical discipline, then you are not communicating to your dog that he can can trust you.
I have bred and handled working Dobermans, Rottweilers , German shepherd dogs, and none of them require discomfort, pain or threat of pain, to respond to training..

Answer 2

He'll probably be much bigger so you need to start working right away. First when your husband walks him he should be in control at all times. When the dog gets excited and starts pulling give a firm tug on the leash and say no. Keep him tight to your hip until he calms down praise him and give him a bit more slack. Eventually your pup will learn not to pull on the leash because it just restricts him more. Secondly you should also be able to walk your dog. As your husband works with him during regular outings you should work with him first begin in the house. Walk him around when he pulls tug him back in line same technique as your husband should use outside. Once he's learned to mind his manners with you in the house move to the yard, then start short walks with with him so that he knows even with all the distractions and oh so exciting things out there you are still in control.

Answer 3

Take yourself and your pup to Obedience Classes. They teach you how to train your dog. You will learn a lot and so will your pup.

Classes are usually one day a week for 6 weeks and you practice what you learned during the week between classes.

You can also buy a book and follow along and then go into some advanced training from the book. You will have learned a lot but the book can take the training further.

Remember that you can't teach something you yourself don't know. Go to the classes and learn. It is fun.

Answer 4

You need to purchase a training collar. Rottweilers grow to be very large dogs, and you will have an even bigger problem if you cannot control him then. There are different types of collars to choose from, all of which are COMPLETELY humane when used properly. You can use a choke chain, a pinch collar, a shock collar, etc, all of which should be easily found in your local pet store. Consult a trainer or ask the associates at your pet store if you have any questions about these products.

Answer 5

my dog used to also pull when she was a puppy. first buy a harness then a short leash. start walking with her. the minute she would pull stop immediately and pull her back very fast. then again...keep on walking sometimes faster sometimes slower and the minute she will pull on u , pull her back again very fast.u have to do this over and over..i guarantee ten minutes later he ll stop pulling..give him a treat. u have to do this everytime but because u have a rott the best thing to do is to go to a trainer and have a basic training. he s a big dog and u should have his control all the time...

Answer 6

Take along some treats and shorten the leash to limit how much he can wriggle around. When he behaves and walks at your side calmly, give him a treat. If he acts up, tug the leash a little and give him a little "no" until he behaves again. Then give him a treat.

Answer 7

hi
best thing to get regardless is a "gental leader"
obviously it would be the larger size you would require
what it does is, stops the dog from takeing you for a walk.
its a head collar with a diffrence, the lead attaches at the nose and the dog doesent like to pull from there, thus learns to walk rather than to pull.
we bought ours from ebay
it was about £20.00 but maybe shop about on line for the cheapest, its all the same make anyways.
we tried a dog training book and it was no use as she couldent read it :-)

i hope this helps

atb

Answer 8

The best training collar for problem puppies is the "Illusion" collar. It was developed by Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) and his wife, Illusion. Here is the link: http://cesarmillan.securesites.net/index.php?cPath=76.
It really works. My mom's dog would pull on her lead until she choked. We got this collar and it works wonders. It trains the dog with less effort and frustration on your part. It works wonders and is NOT PAINFUL! Shock collars, spike collars, and choke chains train with pain, they teach the dog that pulling hurts! You want your dog to not pull because he's not supposed to, NOT because it hurts him.

Answer 9

this sound mean, but it worked great for my lab/rott. and me. Just yank on the leash when he pulls too hard. If he pulls hard, than hank hard. Pretty soon your Rott. will get the idea and start behaving. Keep with it, and be consistant. And remember to talk to him, if other dogs get him excited, then talk your rott. when you pass one. Remember to praise and pet him. For me, praising is more efficiant than treats because my dog loves it when I am happy with her. Hope this helps.